Intel Readying New MacBook Air Suitable Processors

Intel is readying three new processors which could be utilized by Apple for an upcoming MacBook Air update. The Core i5-2557M, Core i7-2637M and Core i7-2677M will have better performance due to increased clock rates and operate within 17 Watt thermal envelope, according to CPU-World.

Two forthcoming Core i7 ULV dual-core processors, i7-2637M and i7-2677M, have 1.7 and 1.8 GHz base, and 2.8 GHz and 2.9 GHz Turbo Boost frequencies. This is 200 MHz higher than the frequencies of their predecessors, Core i7-2617M and i7-2657M. Default clock rate of the HD 3000 graphics on new chips stays the same, 350 MHz, although the maximum turbo frequency is increased to 1.2 GHz. The microprocessors boast 4 MB level 3 cache, and support HyperThreading and Vpro technologies. It is interesting to note that, despite of having lower processor number, the Intel i7-2637M SKU will be faster than the i7-2657M.

Core i5-2557M part has two CPU cores, clocked at 1.7 GHz, and can execute 4 threads at the same time. The model also features Turbo Boost technology, that can temporarily overclock the CPU up to 2.8 GHz. L3 cache on this chip is smaller, only 3 MB, while all other processor characteristics, including specifications of on-chip HD 3000 graphics, are identical to Core i7 ULV parts.


CPU-World says a launch date and pricing for the processors is not yet known. Apple is predicted to be launching the new MacBook Air in June-July.

Read More [via MacRumors]